State Representative Brian Ohler (R-North Canaan) said the flooding on Jan. 13, 2018, in Kent, Conn., was caused by an ice jam. He shared a photo of the Housatonic River in Kent, covered in blocks of ice.

State Representative Brian Ohler (R-North Canaan) said the flooding on Jan. 13, 2018, in Kent, Conn., was caused by an ice jam. He shared a photo of the Housatonic River in Kent, covered in blocks of ice.

Photo: Brian Ohler / Contributed Photo

Image 3 of 8

State Representative Brian Ohler  who represents the 64th district  said the flooding on Jan. 13, 2018, in Kent, Conn., was caused by an ice jam. Shortly after 4:40 p.m., Ohler said the Kent School hockey rick was surrounded by rising flood waters from the Housatonic River. less

State Representative Brian Ohler  who represents the 64th district  said the flooding on Jan. 13, 2018, in Kent, Conn., was caused by an ice jam. Shortly after 4:40 p.m., Ohler said the Kent School hockey ... more

KENT — If temperatures stay in the area of 42 degrees in Kent for three to five days and there’s a bit of rain, officials said the ice jam on the Housatonic River should thaw and the flooding threat will be neutralized.

On Jan. 13, several Kent residents were evacuated from their homes because of flooding from the Housatonic River, a State Police Troop L dispatcher said. Law enforcement closed Route 7 between Route 341 and Bulls Bridge Road on Jan. 13 and it was reopened on Jan. 18.

The road was reopened later in the week, but the threat of more flooding remained a possibility.

Officials have been in “constant contact with expert hydrologists and meteorologists from the National Weather Service regarding the ice jam,” said State Rep. Brian Ohler (R-North Canaan), whose district includes Kent.

Ohler said the ideal situation would be for the ice jam to gradually thaw over three to five days. But for that to happen, he said there needs to be an average high temperature of 42 degrees and some minor or moderate rainfall.

“The river water needs to come back up to a level where it can begin breaking up the ice jam and therefore sending it downstream,” Ohler said in an update at 4 p.m. Saturday.

More Information

Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 43. Winds around 5 mph in the morning.

Sunday night: Chance of drizzle before 1 a.m., which becomes a chance of freezing drizzle between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. and reverts back to a chance of drizzle after 3 a.m. Cloudy, low around 33. Calm winds.

During a meeting on Sunday, Ohler said officials will review the last three days and layout action plans for Monday through Wednesday, the days when Ohler said there will be the most activity seen on the ice jam.

Ohler said warmer temperatures and some precipitation would provide the best opportunity for the ice jam to shift form its current foothold and start moving south.

Though only some Kent residents had to be evacuated from flood-prone areas, Ohler said it’s still important for the public to avoid the ice jam at all times.

“We must stress and reiterate just how dangerous the ice jam is,” Ohler warned. “The ice jam will become increasing(ly) unstable as it begins to break apart into smaller pieces and eventually flow downstream.”

The NWS issued a flood warning for the area around 11 a.m. Saturday until 1:30 p.m. Monday. The warning said River Road remains closed with limited access on Johnson Road.

Despite the flooding, Ohler said the town is still open for business.

“Don’t be afraid to come down to the town center,” Ohler said. “The roads are clear and the shops are ready to welcome you with open doors.”